I will not follow thee!
Spirit of Faith! be thou my guide, O clasp my hand in thine, And let me never quit thy side;Thy comforts are divine!
Earth calls thee blind, misguided one,--
But who can shew like thee Forgotten things that have been done, And things that are to be?
Secrets conceal'd from Nature's ken, Who like thee can declare?
Or who like thee to erring men God's holy will can bear?
Pride scorns thee for thy lowly mien,--
But who like thee can rise Above this toilsome, sordid scene, Beyond the holy skies?
Meek is thine eye and soft thy voice, But wondrous is thy might, To make the wretched soul rejoice, To give the simple light!
And still to all that seek thy way This magic power is given,--
E'en while their footsteps press the clay, Their souls ascend to heaven.
Danger surrounds them,--pain and woe Their portion here must be, But only they that trust thee know What comfort dwells with thee;Strength to sustain their drooping pow'rs, And vigour to defend,--
Thou pole-star of my darkest hours Affliction's firmest friend!
Day does not always mark our way, Night's shadows oft appal, But lead me, and I cannot stray,--
Hold me, I shall not fall;Sustain me, I shall never faint, How rough soe'er may be My upward road,--nor moan, nor plaint Shall mar my trust in thee.
Narrow the path by which we go, And oft it turns aside From pleasant meads where roses blow, And peaceful waters glide;Where flowery turf lies green and soft, And gentle gales are sweet, To where dark mountains frown aloft, Hard rocks distress the feet,--
Deserts beyond lie bleak and bare, And keen winds round us blow;But if thy hand conducts me there, The way is right, I know.
I have no wish to turn away;My spirit does not quail,--